The world has changed, but Axel Rudi Pell hasn’t. For three decades, the Bochum, Germany-based guitarist has ticked and worked like a Swiss clock, consistently releasing critically acclaimed, hard-rocking albums. Like his anniversary offering, a live document of his most recent tour. And it will come out on the same record company as his debut in 1989; his contract with legendary label SPV/Steamhammer having lasted longer than the average marriage these days.
“SPV and I have grown together, we have witnessed highs and lows and we’ve managed to get through them all,” the 58-year-old musician states with a smile. “Never change a winning team” is the secret of his success. Having sold more than 1.6 million records so far, Pell also has a ridiculous amount of online streams: his songs have been streamed more than 37.5 million times, figures he would never have dreamt of when he first started out.
“XXX Anniversary Live”, his 30th album release in as many years, will see the light of day on June 7. A milestone by all accounts and a stunning document of his most recent tour which he did not plan at all, but the recordings, from Bochum and Budapest among others, were so good that he felt he just couldn’t scrap them. They are a worthy follow-up to “Magic Moments”, his three-hour anniversary show at the Bang Your Head!!! festival in 2014, where he celebrated 25 years as a solo artist.
“XXX Anniversary Live” Album Artwork
“XXX Anniversary Live” track listing:
CD1
1. The Medieval Overture (Intro)
2. The Wild And The Young
3. Wildest Dreams
4. Fool Fool
5. Oceans Of Time
6. Only The Strong Will Survive
7. Mystica (incl. Drum Solo)
8. Long Live Rock
CD2
1. Game Of Sins / Tower Of Babylon (incl. Keyboard Solo)
2. The Line
3. Warrior
4. Edge Of The World (incl. Band Introduction)
5. Truth And Lies
6. Carousel
7. The Masquerade Ball / Casbah
8. Rock The Nation
Lineup:
- Johnny Gioeli / Lead and Backing Vocals
- Axel Rudi Pell / Lead, Rhythm and Acoustic Guitars
- Ferdy Doernberg / Keyboards
- Volker Krawczak / Bass
- Bobby Rondinelli / Drums
